Effective August 1, 2005, the Canadian Standard are the ISO 11784 and 11785 Standards, which replaces the previous Canadian User-Based Standard that was based on the old FECAVA standard. Microchips and Readers for use in companion animals are approved by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC). A current list of approved products can be found on the website of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association: Recognized RFID Products.

ISO 11784 and 11785 clearly define the bit content and communication protocol of microchips that adhere to these ISO standards. As such, a true ISO microchip has a 64 bit content resulting in a 15 digit numeric ID code of which the first 3 digits is the manufacturer’s code that operates using FDX-B technology at a frequency of 134.2 kHz.

In the USA, the current HomeAgain (Digital Angel) microchip is comprised of 48 bits resulting in a 10-alphanumeric ID number that does not contain Digital Angel's manufacturer's code and operates using FDX-A technology at a frequency of 125 kHz. This also applies to the AVID Eurochip. The AVID Friendchip also operates at 125 kHz and provides a 10 alphanumeric ID number but this number is encrypted, and hence requires a specially designed reader to be able to read. It is therefore also not a microchip that adheres to the ISO Standards 11784 or 11785. Both Digital Angel and AVID do manufacture and distribute ISO standard microchips in markets outside of the USA.

If you require more facts, check out the website of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, which provides excellent up to date information: http://www.wsava.org/MicrochipID.htm.